The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-03-10
MR.. BEECHER DYING.
The Great Preacher Suddenly Stricken Down b.
Apopexy.

Apoplexy.
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. the celebrated
preacher of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, NY,
is at the point of death He was stricken with
paralysis last Saturday, and has since lain in
an unconscious condition. The physicians say
there is no hope. Sunday was communion day
in Plymouth Church, aud a large gathering of
the congregation attended the services. Rev.
Mr.. Holiday conducted the morning services,
opening with prayer beseeching the Almighty
10 strengthen the pastor, Mr.. Beecher in his
serious illness. Communion followed. during
which messages concerning Mr.. Beechers con-
dition were read, and caused tears TO flow in
abundance among the congregation. Many
prayers were offered for Mr. Beecher.
Henry Ward Beeeher was born at Litchfeld,
Conn, June 81. 1913. lie graduated at Am
herst College in 1884, and studied theology at
the Lane Seminary. In 1857 he became pas
tor of Presbyterian church at Lawrenceburg,
and in 1889 at indianapolis Ind. He was
called 10 Plymouth Church in 1877, and i'm
mediately began 10 acquire that reputation as
a pulpit orator which has been maintained and
increased during nearly half a century. His
sermons were noted from the first for humor rs
well as argument aud exhoriation. He was
noted for his fondness for illustration, drawing
his material from every sphere of human life
and thought. In the pulpit he did not confine
himself 10 religious topics alone, but discussed
the great social and political questions of the
day as well. His fame soon extended through
out the country and even abroad. He was
particularly noted for his opposition TO slavery.
From 1861 TO 1868 he was editor Of the hide
pendent, but gave up the position TO accept the
editorship of the Christian Union Mr.. Beecher
three times visited Europe, the last occasion
being during the Summer Of 1856, when he
was received with great distinction, and
preached and lectured to large gatherings.
Ills regular weekly sermons at Plymouth
Church have been taken down by stcnogra-
piers and printed in pamphlet form since 1859.
Besides these and other works, mostly Of mis-
cellaneous character, he wrote some years ago
a novel entitled " Norwood" and two volumes
Of Life of Christ. In the Summer of 1874
= Theodore Tilton. formerly Mr.. Beecher's asso-
eeiate ON the Independent, charged him with
criminality with Mrs. TiltOn. A committee of
the Plymouth congregation reported that this
charge was without foundation; but mean
while Mr.. TiltOn commenced a civil suit
against Mr. Beecher. laying his damages at
100000. The trial was protracted during
six months. and at its close the jury, after
being locked up for more than a week. refused
TO render verdict for Mr.. TiltOn, nine being
for acqnittal aud three for conviction. For
several years Mr.. Beecher's theological views
have apparently been diverging from the CAL
vanistic standard of his denomination; and
early in 1873 he announced from his pulpit
that he did not believe in the eternity of pun
ishment, holding that all punishments are eau
tionary and remedial. and that no greater
cruelty could be imagined than the continu-
ance of suffering eternally after the hope of re-
formation is gone. He inclined TO belief in
the humiliation of the miserable and the res
toration Of all others. Mr.. Beecher was man
of large figure and fine appearance, and had a
clear, flexible, resonant voice and magnetic
address. OF his great eloquence aud his pre-
eminent ability there could be no question, and
for many years he exercised a vast influence
not only over his own immediate congrega-
ton, but upon many minds throughout the
country. His sermons were widely aud eagerly
read. and his lectures drew large audiences
wherever he appeared. OF recent years, how
ever, this influence has sensibly waned. a fact
due, perhaps, 10 the vagueness and uncertainty
OF his later opinions. Mr.. Beeeher has always
enjoyed superb health. He was man OF prodigi-
Gus energy, writing. speaking and travelling
constantly throughout the year, with the ex-
ception of few weeks in Summer, which he
was accustomed TO pass on his farm at Peeks-
kill, n. Y. Mr.. Beechers family consists Of his
wife and five children-four sons and one
daughter.